West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown,
WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536 / Fax: 304-293-3981 / URL: https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/
Language
English
Abstract
Penmanship album of W.B. Jenkins of St. George, WV (13 in. x 15 in. with ornamented cover). Includes examples of what is likely
Spencerian script, as well as 21 examples of 'offhand flourishes' mostly of birds, presumably by Jenkins. Also includes evidence
of Jenkins attendance of penmanship classes at Oberlin College, including: reference letter by Uriah McKee of Department of
Penmanship (1-12-1883), Penmanship Dept. newsletter (July, 1884), Dept. solicitation of orders for student penmanship work
(ca. 1883-5), and Oberlin College photo prospectus (5 in. x 10 in. card, 1883). There are also two examples of bird flourishing
for Spencerian pedagogy (1879, 1887), two advertisements for pens and pencils (n.d.), and prospectus for Hall's Business College
(ca. 1870-90). There are three Certificates of Attendance for Mary Jenkins of St. George issued by West Virginia Public Schools
(1913,15,16). Spencerian Script was a de facto standard in America from about 1848, when Spencerian Method by Platt Rogers
Spencer was published, to about 1925. Good handwriting skills were highly valued in this period, in education, business, and
industry.
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
Conditions Governing Access
No special access restriction applies.
Preferred Citation
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], W.B. Jenkins Penmanship Album, A&M 3288, West Virginia and Regional History
Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
![[logo]](https://host.lib.wvu.edu/images/logos/wvrhc.jpg)